Land measurement in Bangladesh is complicated by the fact that two different systems coexist: the traditional Bengali system (Katha, Bigha, Decimal, Shotangsho) and the metric/imperial system (sqft, sqm, acres, hectares). To make it more complicated, some units — particularly Katha and Bigha — have different standard values in different parts of the country. This guide explains all the major units, their standard conversion factors, and the regional differences you need to know.
The Standard Conversion Factors (National Standards)
The government of Bangladesh officially uses a standard set of conversion factors for land records and mutation (namjari). These are the values used in court documents, deeds, and official title records.
Official Land Measurement Conversions — Bangladesh
| Unit | Equal To | Square Feet |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Decimal (Shotangsho) | — | 435.6 sqft |
| 1 Katha | 1.65 Decimal | 720 sqft (standard) |
| 1 Bigha | 20 Katha | 14,400 sqft (standard) |
| 1 Acre | 100 Decimal / 3 Bigha approx | 43,560 sqft |
| 1 Hectare | 2.47 Acres | 1,07,639 sqft |
| 1 Square Metre | — | 10.764 sqft |
Regional Variations: Why the Same Word Means Different Things
This is where land measurement gets genuinely confusing. While the national standard defines 1 Katha as 720 sqft (or 1.65 decimal), the actual usage in land documents and local practice varies significantly by region. If you are buying or selling land in Sylhet, Chittagong, or Rajshahi, the local Katha may be different.
Regional Katha and Bigha Variations
| Region | Local Katha | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dhaka (urban) | 720 sqft | Standard; most deeds and apartments use this |
| Sylhet | 6.8 decimal ≈ 2,962 sqft | Sylhet Katha is significantly larger than standard |
| Chittagong | 720 sqft | Generally follows standard in urban areas |
| Rajshahi / Rangpur | 720 sqft (some areas 540 sqft) | Verify at local land office |
| Jessore / Khulna | 720 sqft | Standard |
Note
The Sylhet Katha is a well-known source of confusion — it is roughly 4 times larger than the standard Katha. Always verify which system the seller is using when purchasing land in Sylhet district.
How to Read Your Land Records
Land records (porcha, khatian) in Bangladesh typically express area in acres, decimal, and Bigha. A typical entry might read something like '1 Acre 3 Decimal' — meaning 1 acre and 3 more decimal of land, which is 103 decimal total or 44,864 sqft. Some older records use Biggha-Katha-Gonda-Karai, which is a more granular subdivision system.
Converting Decimal to Katha to Sqft — Quick Reference
Quick Conversion Reference (Standard)
| Decimal | Katha | Bigha | Square Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.61 | 0.03 | 435.6 |
| 5 | 3.03 | 0.15 | 2,178 |
| 10 | 6.06 | 0.30 | 4,356 |
| 20 (1 Bigha approx) | 12.12 | 0.61 | 8,712 |
| 33 (standard 1 Bigha) | 20 | 1 | 14,400 |
| 100 | 60.6 | 3 | 43,560 |
Practical Tips When Buying Land
- Always verify the CS (Cadastral Survey), SA (State Acquisition Survey), RS (Revisional Survey), and BS (Bangladesh Survey) records match each other before purchase.
- Hire a licensed surveyor (Ameen) to physically measure the plot and compare against the deed — discrepancies between recorded and actual area are common.
- In Dhaka, RAJUK has specific minimum plot sizes and setback rules — check that the land is within a RAJUK-approved layout before purchasing.
- If the deed uses 'link' or 'rod' units (older British units used in some older records), 1 chain = 66 feet, 1 link = 0.66 feet, 1 rod = 16.5 feet.
Tip
When negotiating price, make sure both parties are using the same unit — particularly in Sylhet where a price quoted 'per Katha' could mean 4 times more land than the buyer assumed if they were thinking in standard Katha.